Champagne Beach is not the easiest to get to or to get into the water. First; watch your step on the long walkway made out of wood, as there are several holes & cracked planks. They have a very rocky beach with a thick rubber slip & slide leading into the water. We saw some fish and saw the bubbles, but the photo of the Champagne bubbles on their website is very colorful (perhaps enhanced) When in reality - it all looked grey. Getting out was also hazardous, as waves are pushing you against the rocks. There are bathrooms, outdoor showers & snorkel equipment for rent. You can definitely do the snorkel without using fins.

Bayahibe Beach Break--It rained a bit during the day and it would have been more enjoyable if it had been clear and sunny. But the resort was a pleasant place to spend the day with a nice beach and a nice pool. Open bar was included.

I was concerned about going here, but turned out to be gorgeous! It was nice since we were picked up by a boat from the cruise ship and taken to a resort. The workers were all friendly and helpful. The water was crystal clear. Be ward again this resort has European guests and there was some topless sun bathers. The fresh coconut drink was so good and refreshing it is a must.

We ported at Samana, Dom Rep. Read bad reviews about Samana itself and took the recommended excursion, a boat ride to Cayo Levantado, a private island off the coast with a beautiful beach and clear water. We rented snorkel equip and canoes for 2 people for only $35. PLayed volleyball and had good cheap food and drinks. Best part of our trip. Walk past the small shops because the natives are pesty. Great island trip. Book with cruise line on board, it's only $15 each. Cheaper than website.

We did the Waterfall and Beach break tour. It was a LONG ride to the waterfall so we got a partial island tour thrown in. We also stopped part of the way there at a roadside stand/waterfall overlook. It was a 15 minute HIKE to the waterfall. I wore my flipflops. I must have missed the wear your tennis shoes or water shoes part! Two thirds of the way there it began to get muddy and steep. It was very treacherous from that point. We did make it down to the falls and got in the water (very COLD) and managed to make it back to the bus. After that it was a LONG ride to Mero beach, which is black sand and very HOT. The water was very clear and there is a place with drink and food. Again, we still enjoyed the excursion but next time will take a taxi directly to Mero beach.

This is a snorkel and unique swimming opportunity. There are bubbles rising from the sea floor from an underwater steam vent. This is how the "champagne" beach got the name. The snorkeling is very good here for non fish visuals. Lots of sponges, sea fans, etc and decent number of fish. Very good experience overall.

Never left the dock during our stop at the Dominican Republic (La Romana) and from what I heard during dinner that night from several people, that was a fortunate happenstance. It was a 45 minute boat ride to a private beach with open bar. The vendors were pushy, but it wasnt anything that ruined the day. On the boat ride back they stopped the boat, one guy got out and came out with a starfish the size of a basketball. We then celebrated with Rum and Cokes up to out waist in the middle of nowhere. Recommended.

Visited the Emerald Pool and Mero Beach. The scenic drive up to the Emerald Pool was incredible. Every which way you looked you saw something beautiful. From the bright blue sea in the distance, to the cascading cliffs of the mountains, to the emerald green treeline. Dominica was probably the most exotic and prettiest of all of the islands visited on this cruise.